Country Office: Ethiopia

Work Base: Mota, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region

Availability: As Soon As Possible

Contract Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension

Female Candidates are Highly Encouraged to Apply

Première Urgence Internationale (PUI) is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-political and non-religious international aid organization. Our teams are committed to supporting civilians’ victims of marginalization and exclusion, or hit by natural disasters, wars and economic collapses, by answering their fundamental needs. Our aim is to provide emergency relief to uprooted people in order to help them recover their dignity and regain self-sufficiency. 

PUI works in 10 areas of intervention and distinguishes itself by the implementation of an integrated approach in its response. This method aims to identify and understand the needs of all those affected by a crisis. Our teams come together to bring a rapid global response to the basic needs of populations affected by humanitarian crises to help them regain independence and dignity. 

PUI in Ethiopia:

Following the north Ethiopia conflict which erupted in 2020 and the reports of recurrent drought which is affecting the life and livelihood of millions in different regions of Ethiopia, PUI decided to contribute its part to address the humanitarian needs triggered by both manmade and natural disasters. PUI has been registered with FDRE Authority for Civil Society Organization (ACSO) since June 22, 2022, to enable the organization to operate legally in the country.

Since then, PUI has been providing humanitarian assistance in Afar and Benishangul Gumuz Regional States addressing the needs of population affected by both manmade and natural disasters. The organization has been exploring the potential gaps in terms of humanitarian assistance in the regions where it is currently intervening and other regions. 

The current projects in Afar and Benishangul Gumuz regions are mainly focusing on creating better access to health and nutrition services for conflict and drought affected population. PUI is working in collaboration with local health authorities in providing support to revitalize the conflict affected health systems in those regions. In Metekel zone of BGRS, PUI is implementing humanitarian assistance in Debatie, Bullen, and Dangur woredas while in Afar, PUI is supporting nutrition services in Abala town, Abala rural woreda, Berhale, and Dallol woredas of Afar region in Kilbati Rasu zone.

PUI is expanding its interventions to Amhara region where the ongoing conflict has affected provision of health services. Accordingly, the organization is opening a new project in East Gojjam zone of the region to respond to such needs. For this response, PUI is hiring technical team to be based in Motta, Esat Gojjam zone to undertake the intervention.

Overall Objective:

To enhance access to Psychosocial support for the population affected by conflict and mitigate the effect of the conflict among the community; promote healthy behavior. 

Tasks and Responsibilities 

Mentor health workers and counseling services at the community and health facility

• Provision of psychosocial stimulation as part of the treatment of SAM for children with severe acute malnutrition

• to ensure and encourage home-based stimulation services by caregivers.

• Provide individual and group need-based counseling on optimal MIYCN practices for caregivers of children 0-23 months and PLWs and Baby Friendly Space Services

• Capacitated government HWs and HEWs on the skill of counseling services in optimal breastfeeding during emergencies 

• provided information and support on SGBV prevention and risk mitigation. 

• Conducted training GBV and Child Protection Guidance and Psychological First Aid and Integrated Approach for Safer Programming

• Capacity Building on GBV Case Management & Psychological First Aid (PFA)

• Provide emergency individual protection assistance (Emergency Support to survivors of GBV, children and individuals at risk)

• Conduct Community Consultations with Women, Girls and Local Organizations

• Provide psycho-social support, and psychological first aid to survivors who have experienced psychological trauma, torture, gender-based violence GBV, domestic violence, and when necessary to survivors of natural disasters

• Work in collaboration with PHCC and health post staff to receive referred beneficiaries, ensure follow up of referred PSS/ PFA beneficiaries, and guide health facility staff on PSS

• Provide screening and assessment of psychological trauma

• Sensitize, psycho-educate, problem solving, dialogue and mediate with the beneficiary’s population about issues of war, torture, trauma, violence and GBV

• Ensure all work with clients is confidential and that ethical practices are observed in the culturally appropriate way, especially concerning gender sensitivities

• Perform community awareness on trauma and psychosocial support to beneficiaries and community leaders

• Refer patients when needed to more specialized services in link with health PM

• Perform case follow-up and case management when there is a need

• Develop an action plan for the follow-up patients 

• Engage in self-care through supervision, debriefings, and other shared sessions.

2. Planning and organization of activities 

• Ensure the follow-up of the activity schedule in collaboration with his/her line supervisor.

• Participate in weekly meetings and adapt the activity schedule to possible changes in context;

• Participate in the development and implementation of any medical activity that is part of the PUI program or in response to an unforeseen situation.

3. Represent the organization to partners

• To present the project and ensure the link with the various local partners.

• Ensure a good relationship between the team and the target population.

• Collaborate with other actors working in the different under supervision.

•  Elaborate on the reports necessary for the project: supervision report, monthly reports etc....

4. Other tasks

• Participate in PUI project team meetings and strategic thinking.

• Participate in meetings organized by PUI.

• Contribute to the safety monitoring of the zone by reporting to his/her line supervisor any safety-related constraints.

• The tasks and responsibilities defined in this job description are not exhaustive and can evolve depending on the project needs. The employee could be requested to perform other tasks as his/her Line Manager may judge necessary.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in psychology; or Bachelor’s degree in any health discipline+ diploma in Psychology. 

• Similar experience of 5 years for first degree or 3 years for MSc

• Experience humanitarian works

• Working experience in Amhara region, Gojjam zones

Required knowledge & skills:

• Knowledge of the computer tool

• Knowledge of the community of Gojjam area

Language:

• Amharic and English  

• Any other local language  

Expected personal characteristics:

• Good communication skills, diplomacy and solution-oriented attitude 

• Curiosity and interest in the organization's activities

• Good ability to manage deadlines in emergency response contexts (stress resistance)

• Honesty, integrity

• Adaptability, flexibility

• Autonomy, sense of initiative and anticipation

• Punctuality                                   

 OUR COMMITMENTS

• Première Urgence Internationale sees diversity of nationalities, genders, beliefs, profiles and statuses among its Human Resources as a major asset for its humanitarian action and therefore compels itself to the strict observance of the principle of non-discrimination throughout its recruitment process.  

• Première Urgence Internationale applies a policy of zero tolerance towards exploitation, sexual abuse and mistreatment, in all its forms, of women, children and all other vulnerable persons. It engages all its staff to promote, disseminate and respect the principles set out in its ethical charter.

• Please note that Première Urgence Internationale shall not in any case request a financial contribution for administrative costs related to recruitment. Any such information would be fraudulent, please disregard it. 

How To Apply

If you are interested in the position of Psychosocial Support Officer, please strictly follow the instructions below.

 Step 1: Fill out the application form at the following THIS LINK

Step 2: After successfully completing the form, submit the following documents

• A non-returnable CV

• A cover letter clearly stating your motivation

• Three professional references

Subject line must read: " PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT OFFICER "

Applications that do not follow this two-step process will not be considered.

Deadline: Sunday July 27, 2025

NB: Only short-listed applicants will be, communicated on and selection process includes technical test and an interview.